Peptide biosynthesis and pain therapy

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an expression cassette comprising a DNA sequence encoding amino acids 1-99 of human preproenkephalin, a DNA sequence encoding a precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide flanked by dibasic cleavage sites and optionally a DNA sequence encoding a marker protein (such as Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (GNP)) all in operable linkage and under control of a promoter. Where the encoded precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide is an agonist for an opioid receptor, the invention further provides a method of treating neuropathic pain by administering the gene transfer vector comprising such an expression cassette to a patient. The invention also provides a method for detecting a peptide having a desired effect comprising introducing a library of DNA sequences encoding one or more precursors of carboxy-amidated peptides into host cells; expressing the carboxy-amidated peptides encoded in the library to provide expression products; and screening from the polypeptide expression products for the desired effect.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/686,253, filed Jun. 1, 2005, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made in part with Government support under GrantNumber NSO44507 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. TheGovernment may have certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The mu opioid receptor is a G protein coupled receptor expressed in thecentral and peripheral nervous system, and is activated by opioidcompounds such as morphine. Such opioids have been used for centuries toprovide effective pain relief and continue to be essential tools inmodem clinical pain management. However, the clinical utility of opioiddrugs is limited by side effects including gastrointestinalcomplications, respiratory depression. The clinical utility of opioiddrugs is further'limited by the possibility that patients will developtolerance or dependency over long-term use. Endogenous opioids, such asthe carboxy-amidated tetrapeptide, endomorphin-2 (EM-2), binds the muopioid receptor with high affinity and are analgesic in several animalmodels of pain. However, while endomorphin peptides have been isolatedfrom bovine and human brain, no gene sequences corresponding to apotential preproendomorphin gene have been identified in human genomesequence databases, which renders the production and use of endomorphinsproblematic. Accordingly, there is a need for a genetic expressionsystem for expressing carboxy-aminated peptides, such as endomorphins.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an expression cassette comprising a first DNAsequence selected from the group consisting of a DNA sequence encodingamino acids 1-99 of human preproenkephalin, a DNA sequence encodingamino acids 1-58 of tachykinin 1 isoform beta precursor, a DNA sequenceencoding amino acids 1-26 of corticotrophin-lipotropin precursor, and aDNA sequence encoding amino acids 1-55 of FMRFamide-related peptideprecursor; a second DNA sequence encoding a precursor of a peptideflanked by cleavage sites; and optionally a DNA sequence encoding amarker protein (such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)) all in operablelinkage and under control of a promoter.

Where the encoded precursor of a peptide is a carboxy-amidated peptidethat is an agonist for an opioid receptor, the invention furtherprovides a method of treating neuropathic pain by administering the genetransfer vector comprising such an expression cassette to a patient.

The invention also provides a method for detecting a peptide having adesired effect comprising introducing a library of DNA sequencesencoding one or more precursors of peptides into host cells; expressingthe peptides encoded in the library to provide expression products; andscreening from the polypeptide expression products for the desiredeffect.

These advantages, and additional inventive features, will be apparentfrom the following description of the invention and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Schematic representation of the EM-2 expression vectorconstruction. An HCMV IEp:EM-2 expression cassette was introduced intothe UL41 locus of the replication defective HSV (QOZ) genome. Arrowsindicate dibasic cleavage sites. The EM-2 prepeptide is underlinedincluding the glycine reside extension in bold (G). After cleavage, theliberated EM-2 propeptide (YPFFG) is designed to be processed by PAMinto EM-2 proper (YPFF-NH2).

FIG. 2 Detection of EM-2 expression following transduction of rat DRGneurons in vitro. Twenty-four hours after transduction, cultures wereincubated in secretion stimulation buffer for fifteen minutes and thesupernatant subjected to HPLC. (A) EM-2 HPLC fractions were assayed byRIA for EM-2 expression. EM-2 levels derived from mock-transduced andcontrol vector (QOZHG) vector-transduced neurons were below the level ofdetection. vEM2 transduced DRGs produced approximately 50 pg EM-2/100 μlstimulation buffer. (B) Mass spectroscopy of the EM-2 HPLC fractionsrevealed peptides with a mass indistinguishable from EM-2 standard.

FIG. 3 (A) Time course of the antiallodynic effect of vEM2 inneuropathic pain as measured by the mechanical threshold (grams).Results are expressed as mean+/−standard error of the mean. P<0.05 byrepeated measures analysis; n=6 animals per group. (B) The antiallodyniceffect of endomorphin as measured by the mechanical threshold (grams)produced by vEM2 was reversed by intrathecal injection of CTOP. **P<0.001

FIG. 4 (A) Antihyperalgesic effect of inoculation of vEM2 1 week afterspinal nerve ligation. P<0.001 by repeated measures analysis; n=6animals per group. (B) The antihyperalgesic effect of endomorphinreleased by vEM2 was reversed by intrathecal injection of CTOP. * P<0.05

FIG. 5 (A) Time course of the antiallodynic effect of vEM2 ininflammatory pain as measured by the mechanical threshold (grams).*P<0.05, **P<0.01 vs. control vector. (B) The antiallodynic effect ofendomorphin as measured by the mechanical threshold (grams) produced byvEM2 was reversed by intrathecal administration of naloxene-methiodide(Nal-M). **P<0.05 vs. pre Nal-M. (C) The antiallodynic effect ofendomorphin as measured by the mechanical threshold (grams) produced byvEM2 was reversed by intraperitoneal administration ofnaloxene-methiodide (Nal-M). **P<0.05 vs. pre Nal-M.

FIG. 6 (A) Time course of the antihyperalgesic effect of vEM2 ininflammatory pain as measured by thermal latency (seconds). *P<0.05,**P<0.01, ***P<0.001 vs. control vector. (B) The antihyperalgesic effectof endomorphin as measured by thermal latency (seconds) produced by vEM2was not significantly affected by intrathecal administration ofnaloxene-methiodide (Nal-M). (C) The antihyperalgesic effect ofendomorphin as measured by thermal latency (seconds) produced by vEM2was reversed by intraperitoneal administration of naloxene-methiodide(Nal-M). *P<0.05 vs. pre Nal-M.

FIG. 7 (A) Time course of the antiallodynic effect of vEM2 ininflammatory pain as measured by the weight bearing differential(grams). *P<0.05, **P<0.01 vs. control vector. (B) The antiallodyniceffect of endomorphin as measured by the weight bearing differential(grams) produced by vEM2 was reversed by intrathecal administration ofnaloxene-methiodide (Nal-M). *P<0.05 vs. pre Nal-M. (C) Theantiallodynic effect of endomorphin as measured by the weight bearingdifferential (grams) produced by vEM2 was reversed by intraperitonealadministration of naloxene-methiodide (Nal-M). *P<0.05 vs. pre Nal-M.

FIG. 8 (A) Time course of the anti-inflammatory effect of vEM2 ininflammatory pain as measured by increase in paw volume (%). *P<0.05,**P<0.01 vs. control vector. (B) Expression of c-fos cells in laminae ofdorsal horn was reduced in animals inoculated with vEM2. **P<0.01 vs.control vector.

FIG. 9 (A) Time course of nocisponsive behavior after administration offormalin as measured by number of flinches. *P<0.05, *P<0.01 vs. controlvector. (B) The antinociceptive effect of vEM2 as measured by number offlinches was significant in phase 1 after formalin injection. *P<0.05vs. control vector. (C) The antinociceptive effect of vEM2 as measuredby umber of flinches was significant in phase 2 after formalininjection. *P<0.01 vs. control vector.

FIG. 10 Expression of c-fos cells in laminae I-II of dorsal horn wasreduced after formalin injection in animals inoculated with vEM2.*P<0.05 vs. control vector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to preparation and uses of a synthetic expressioncassette to direct production, cleavage, and processing of peptides,such as EM2. The expression cassette comprises (a) a DNA sequenceencoding a signal sequence of a preproprotein; (b) a DNA sequenceencoding a precursor of a peptide flanked by cleavage sites; andoptionally (b) a DNA sequence encoding a signal peptide (such as GreenFluorescent Protein (GYP) or luciferase). These elements are in operablelinkage such that all are transcribed in frame within the expressioncassette. The expression cassette can be constructed using ordinarymolecular cloning techniques, which are well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The separate elements of the expression cassette canbe cloned (e.g., using PCR) or synthesized and ligated together toconstruct the cassette. If desired, the sequence of the construct can beconfirmed by standard sequencing techniques.

The signal sequence can be drawn from a protein such as humanpreproenkephalin (PPE) (Accession No. NM_(—)006211), tachykinin 1isoform beta precursor (Accession No. NP_(—)003173),corticotrophin-lipotropin precursor (Accession No. P01189), orFMRFamide-related peptide precursor (Accession No. Q9HCQ7). The signalsequence of a preproprotein is located in the amino-terminal domain ofthe protein. In preferred embodiments, the expression cassette includesa DNA sequence encoding amino acids 1-99 of human PPE (SEQ ID NO:1). Inother embodiments, the expression cassette can comprise a DNA sequenceencoding a signal sequence of another protein such as amino acids 1-58of tachykinin 1 isoform beta precursor (SEQ ID NO:2), amino acids 1-26of corticotrophin-lipotropin precursor (SEQ ID NO:3), or amino acids1-55 of FMRFamide-related peptide precursor (SEQ ID NO:4). Withoutwishing to be bound by theory, each of these preproprotein signalsequences is believed to contain residues that direct polypeptides intothe regulated secretory pathway where proteolytic processing occurs (seereferences 13, 14, and 37).

Within the expression cassette, the preproprotein signal sequence can befollowed in frame by a second DNA sequence encoding one or moreprecursors of a peptide, flanked by cleavage sites. In preferredembodiments, the peptide can be a carboxy-amidated peptide. In otherembodiments, the peptide can be a cyclic peptide or another type ofpeptide. The cleavage sites are preferably dibasic cleavage sites,however, the cleavage sites can also be furin cleavage sites, orcarboxypeptidase cleavage sites. In some embodiments, the expressioncassette comprises two or more DNA sequences encoding precursors ofcarboxy-amidated peptides, wherein each DNA sequence encoding aprecursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide is flanked by dibasic cleavagesites.

The precursor of a peptide can comprise between two and about twentyamino acids. Preferably, the precursor comprises between four and 18amino acids. Thus, the precursor can comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 amino acids. Inembodiments wherein the peptide is a carboxy-amidated peptide, theprecursor encoded in the expression cassette can have a carboxylextended glycine residue.

In a preferred embodiment, the carboxy-amidated peptide can be anagonist of an opioid receptor. Preferably, the carboxy-amidated peptideis an agonist of the mu opioid receptor. Carboxy-amidated peptides ofthe present invention can also be agonists of the delta opioid receptor.In preferred embodiments, the carboxy-amidated peptide is Endomorphin-1having a peptide sequence YPWF (SEQ ID NO:5) or Endomorphin-2, having apeptide sequence YPFF. (SEQ ID NO:6). Accordingly, the peptide sequenceof the precursor of Endomorphin-1 can be YPWFG (SEQ ID NO:7), andsimilarly, the peptide sequence of the precursor of Endomorphin-2 can beYRFFG (SEQ ID NO:8). In some preferred embodiments, the one or moreprecursors can be a pair of Endomorphin-2 coding elements each flankedby dibasic cleavage sites.

Without being bound by theory, it is thought that preproprotein signalsequences such as PPE mimic the biosynthesis of prototypical secretorypeptides from genome-encoded preproproteins. In turn, peptides areproduced as protein precursors that undergo posttranslational processingto yield the functional peptide. The dibasic residues flanking the corepeptide sequence are recognized by proteases and/or aminopeptidaseswhose proteolytic activity liberates the peptide from the proteinprecursor (see references 15 and 16). In some preferred embodiments suchas the production of endomorphins, following peptide liberation,carboxy-terminal glycine residues are processed in the endoplasmicreticulum by the bifunctional enzyme peptidylglycine a-amidatingmonooxygenase (PAM; EC 1.14.17.3) to yield a free carboxy-amidatedpeptide within the RSP (see references 17-19) of the trans-golginetwork.

Within the expression cassette, the DNA sequence encoding one or moreprecursors of a peptide flanked by cleavage sites preferably is fused inframe with the open reading frame of a marker protein, advantageouslyallowing efficient cleavage and providing a biomarker. A desiredbiomarker protein is GFP, however, other markers (typically fluorescent)can be used instead. It will be understood that, while the DNA sequenceencoding one or more precursors of a peptide, flanked by cleavage sitesis fused in frame with the preproprotein signal sequence and optionallythe marker protein, intervening sequences (such as IRES) can be includedas well.

While the invention provides the expression cassette in isolated form,the invention also pertains to a population comprising a plurality ofthe expression cassettes. Typically, the population includes thousandsof such cassettes. The population can be generated by amplification(e.g., using PCR) of a single cassette or by introducing the cassetteinto a cloning vector (e.g., a plasmid or phage) and amplifying thevector in a suitable host system such as bacteria). It will be observedthat the population can be clonal, in which instance, it issubstantially homologous (accounting for occasional errors duringreplication) and most desirably homologous.

In other embodiments, the population defines a random or semirandomlibrary, in which the DNAs encoding the precursors of peptides differ.Typically, such a library will contain scores of different sequences.More preferably hundreds (at least 100) or even thousands (at least 1000or at least 10,000) of different expression cassettes differing in thesequence of DNAs encoding the precursors of peptides, such ascarboxy-amidated peptides, cyclic peptides, and/or other types ofpeptides, constitute the library. Such a library can be constructed byfirst generating a population of random or semirandom oligonucleotidesencoding precursors of peptides having one or more desiredcharacteristics (e.g., precursors of carboxy-amidated peptides, encodinga carboxy-terminal glycine residues). This population ofoligonucleotides then can be cloned into the cassette backbone—i.e., inframe with the preproprotein signal sequence and optional biomarker.

A preferred method for constructing such random or semirandom librariesemploys the GATEWAY® system (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). In theGATEWAY® system, ccdB is used as a negative selectable marker that ifpresent kills the bacteria cell. ccdB is replaced by a random orsemirandom sequence through site specific recombination carried out by amodified lambda integrase. Two relevant bacterial strains are used inGATEWAY® technology, ccdB sensitive and ccdB resistant. The ccdBcontaining plasmid is propagated in ccdB resistant bacteria andpurified. This plasmid is then used for in vitro recombination. Therecombination product is transformed into a ccdB sensitive bacteriaselecting for plasmids that have had the ccdB gene replaced by thegene-of-interest during the in vitro recombination. By replacing ccdB,the background in cloning and library construction is dramaticallyreduced or eliminated allowing the shuttling of genes into and out or avariety of plasmids at will. As a starting point the base plasmids mustbe grown in bacteria that are resistant to the toxic effects of ccdB ofwhich there are a very limited number of genotypes available. Invitrogenmarkets a single ccdB resistant bacterial strain, but this strain doesnot accommodate large vectors (such as bacterial artificial chromosomes(“BACs”)) needed to accommodate larger viral vectors, such as HSV.Accordingly, to employ the GATEWAY® technology in the context of theinvention using a large viral vector system, a bacterial strain amenableto transformation to large DNAs (such as BACs) desirably is modified toexpress a gene that confers insensitivity to ccdB. A preferred strain isderived from the DH10B bacterial strain used in BAC propagation andmanipulation, which also has a mutation (fhuA::1S2) that increases theirproclivity to transformation by very large DNAs.

The expression cassette (or library) can be placed into an expressionvector system under control of a suitable promoter. A desired promoteris a constitutively active promoter, such as a human cytomegalovirus(hCMV) immediate-early promoter, although other promoters known to thoseof skill in the art can be employed. Alternatively, in some embodiments,an inducible promoter or temperature-sensitive promoter can be employed,such as a tetracycline-regulated inducible promoter. Other promotersthat can be used in embodiments of the present invention includeubiquitin promoters, such as a ubiquitin C promoter (Invitrogen,Carlsbad, Calif.); a human elongation factor-1É (EF-1É) promoteravailable from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.); a Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV)promoter, as described, for example, in Yamamoto, et al., Cell22(3):787-97 (1980); an HSV ICP0 promoter; and an HSV LAP2 promoter,described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,571. Techniques for introducing geneticconstructs, such as the inventive expression cassette, into expressionvector systems are known, and any suitable technique (such as homologousrecombination) can be employed.

In a preferred embodiment, the vector system is an HSV based viralvector system suitable for use as a vector to introduce a nucleic acidsequence into numerous cell types. The mature HSV virion consists of anenveloped icosahedral capsid with a viral genome consisting of a lineardouble-stranded DNA molecule that is 152 kb. In a preferred embodiment,the HSV based viral vector is deficient in at least one essential HSVgene. Of course, the vector can alternatively or in addition be deletedfor non-essential genes. Preferably, the HSV based viral vector that isdeficient in at least one essential HSV gene is replication deficient.Most replication deficient HSV vectors contain a deletion to remove oneor more intermediate-early, early, or late HSV genes to preventreplication. For example, the HSV vector may be deficient in animmediate early gene selected from the group consisting of: ICP 4,ICP22, ICP27, ICP47, and a combination thereof. Advantages of the HSVvector are its ability to enter a latent stage that can result inlong-term DNA expression and its large viral DNA genome that canaccommodate exogenous DNA inserts of up to 25 kb. HSV-based vectors aredescribed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,532, 5,846,782,5,849,572, and 5,804,413, and International Patent Applications WO91/02788, WO 96/04394, WO 98/15637, and WO 99/06583, which areincorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the HSV vector is“multiply deficient,” meaning that the HSV vector is deficient in morethan one gene function required for viral replication. The sequence ofHSV is available on the internet atwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=nucleotide&list_uids=9629378&dopt=GenBank&term=hsv-1&qty=1,which may facilitate the generation of desired mutations in designingvectors.

The HSV vector can be deficient in replication-essential gene functionsof the early regions of the HSV genome, the immediate-early regions ofthe HSV genome, only the late regions of the HSV genome, or both theearly and late regions of the HSV genome. The HSV vector also can haveessentially the entire HSV genome removed, in which case it is preferredthat at least either the viral inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) and oneor more promoters or the viral ITRs and a packaging signal are leftintact (i.e., an HSV amplicon). The larger the region of the HSV genomethat is removed, the larger the piece of exogenous nucleic acid sequencethat can be inserted into the genome. However, it is preferred that thevector of the present invention be a non-amplicon HSV vector.

It should be appreciated that the deletion of different regions of theHSV vector can alter the immune response of the mammal. In particular,the deletion of different regions can reduce the inflammatory responsegenerated by the HSV vector. Furthermore, the HSV vector's protein coatcan be modified so as to decrease the HSV vector's ability or inabilityto be recognized by a neutralizing antibody directed against thewild-type protein coat.

The HSV vector, when multiply replication deficient, preferably includesa spacer element to provide viral growth in a complementing cell linesimilar to that achieved by singly replication deficient HSV vectors.The spacer element can contain any nucleic acid sequence or sequenceswhich are of the desired length. The spacer element sequence can becoding or non-coding and native or non-native with respect to the HSVgenome, but does not restore the replication essential function(s) tothe deficient region. In addition, the inclusion of a spacer element inany or all of the deficient HSV regions will decrease the capacity ofthe HSV vector for large inserts. The production of HSV vectors involvesusing standard molecular biological techniques well known in the art.

Replication deficient HSV vectors are typically produced incomplementing cell lines that provide gene functions not present in thereplication deficient HSV vectors, but required for viral propagation,at appropriate levels in order to generate high titers of viral vectorstock. A preferred cell line complements for at least one and preferablyall replication essential gene functions not present in a replicationdeficient HSV vector. The cell line also can complement non-essentialgenes that, when missing, reduce growth or replication efficiency (e.g.,UL55). The complementing cell line can complement for a deficiency in atleast one replication essential gene function encoded by the earlyregions, immediate-early regions, late regions, viral packaging regions,virus-associated regions, or combinations thereof, including all HSVfunctions (e.g., to enable propagation of HSV amplicons, which compriseminimal HSV sequences, such as only inverted terminal repeats and thepackaging signal or only ITRs and an HSV promoter). The cell linepreferably is further characterized in that it contains thecomplementing genes in a non-overlapping fashion with the HSV vector,which minimizes, and practically eliminates, the possibility of the HSVvector genome recombining with the cellular DNA. Accordingly, thepresence of replication competent HSV is minimized, if not avoided inthe vector stock, which, therefore, is suitable for certain therapeuticpurposes, especially gene therapy purposes. The construction ofcomplementing cell lines involves standard molecular biology and cellculture techniques well known in the art.

When the vector is a replication deficient HSV, the nucleic acidsequence encoding the protein (e.g., a carboxy-amidated peptide) ispreferably located in the locus of an essential HSV gene, mostpreferably either the ICP4 or the ICP27 gene locus of the HSV genome.The insertion of a nucleic acid sequence into the HSV genome (e.g., theICP4 or the ICP27 gene locus of the HSV genome) can be facilitated byknown methods, for example, by the introduction of a unique restrictionsite at a given position of the HSV genome.

A preferred HSV vector for use in the context of the invention containsexpanded ICP4, or ICP27 deletions, and preferably both. By “expanded”deletions in this context, it is meant that the preferred vectors haveno homologous sequences at either or both of these loci relative to thecomplementing cell line used for their production. Desirably, the virushas no remaining ICP4 or ICP27 (or both) coding or promoter sequences.Preferably, the deletion in ICP27 extends as well into the UL55 locus,and desirably both genes are deleted. Thus, a most preferred virus foruse in the invention contains extended deletions in ICP4, ICP27 and UL55 such that there is no viral homology to these genes used in acomplementing cell line. Desirably, the vector further does not includeany homologous DNA sequences to that employed in the complementing cellline (e.g., even using different regulatory sequences andpolyadenylation sequences).

It will be understood that other vectors in addition to HSV vectors canalso be used in preparing the gene transfer vectors. For example,adenoviral, adeno-associated viral, and retroviral vectors can be usedin the methods and compositions of the present invention. Constructionof such vectors is known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see,e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,797,368, 5,691,176, 5,693,531, 5,880,102,6,210,393, 6,268,213, 6,303,362, and 7,045,344). Non-viral methods canalso be utilized for gene delivery such as gene-gun application of aplasmid encoding precursors of one or more peptides along with otherappropriate components such as amino acids 1-99 of preproenkephalin or asignal sequence of another preproprotein described above. Anothernon-viral method of gene delivery is intrathecal electroporation of adrug regulated expression system. Alternative, implantable cell linescan be engineered to produce the desired peptide or library.

In other embodiments, particularly useful for handling a random orsemirandom library of the inventive expression cassettes, the expressioncassettes (or library) can be inserted into bacterial artificialchromosome (BAC) phage vectors or plasmids. Such vectors permitamplification of the expression cassette in bacterial systems, which cangenerate large quantities of the expression cassettes for use in assays.Such vectors can, in fact, contain the genome of a viral vector (e.g.,HSV) containing the expression cassette. Such vectors can be efficientlyamplified in a bacterial system to generate a large number of viralgenomes, which can be introduced into suitable eukaryotic cells togenerate viral particles.

Where the vector system includes a random or semirandom library,preferably the vector backbone (e.g., including the vector and thepromoter under which the expression cassettes are controlled) arehomologous or substantially homologous (allowing for minor sequencevariations due to mutations during replication). In this sense, it ispreferred for the population of vectors to differ primarily (orexclusively) in the sequences encoding the peptide precursors. In thisembodiment, the expression cassettes are within respective gene transfervectors and under the control of respective promoters within thepopulation of vectors within the vector system.

Where the peptide is a carboxy-amidated peptide that is an agonist of anopioid receptor, the invention further provides a method of treatingpain comprising administering the gene transfer vector to a patient.Preferably, the patient is a mammal, such as a rat, mouse, rabbit, cat,dog, horse, cow, pig, or primate. More preferably, the patient is ahuman. Preferably, the pain is neuropathic pain. In some embodiments,the pain can be associated with inflammation. In other embodiments, thepain can be associated with cancer. In some preferred embodiments, thepain is associated with spinal cord injury.

Suitable methods of administering the inventive vector and compositionof the invention to an animal (especially a human) for therapeutic orprophylactic purposes, e.g., gene therapy, vaccination, and the like(see, for example, references 74-77), are available, and, although morethan one route can be used to administer the composition, a particularroute can provide a more immediate and more effective reaction thananother route. A preferred route of administration involves transductionof dorsal root ganglion neurons through peripheral inoculation to resultin vector delivery to the dorsal horn. In many embodiments, this can beaccomplished by delivering the gene transfer vector by subcutaneousinoculation, which is an attractive feature of the inventive approach.Subcutaneous administration may occur at a location proximate to thedorsal root ganglion or the spinal cord, or at another location at thediscretion of the treating clinician, such as a location convenient foradministration. In other embodiments, the gene transfer vector can beadministered to the dorsal root ganglion of the patient. In still otherembodiments, the gene transfer vector can be administered to the spinalcord of the patient.

The method of treating spinal cord injury pain or peripheral neuropathicpain further can comprise the administration (i.e., pre-administration,co-administration, and/or post-administration) of other treatmentsand/or agents to modify (e.g., enhance) the effectiveness of the method.The method of the invention can further comprise the administration ofother substances which locally or systemically alter (i.e., diminish orenhance) the effect of the composition on a host. For example,substances that diminish any systemic effect of the protein producedthrough expression of the nucleic acid sequence of the vector in a hostcan be used to control the level of systemic toxicity in the host.Likewise, substances that enhance the local effect of the proteinproduced through expression of the nucleic acid sequence of the vectorin a host can be used to reduce the level of the protein required toproduce a prophylactic or therapeutic effect in the host. Suchsubstances include antagonists, for example, soluble receptors orantibodies directed against the protein produced through expression ofthe nucleic acid sequence of the vector, and agonists of the protein.

It will be observed that, for use in therapy, the gene transfer vectorcan be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition comprising thevector and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Any suitableformulation can be used, depending on the desired route ofadministration (e.g., oral, transdermal, nasal, or injection (e.g.,subcutaneous, intravenous, parenteral, intracranial, etc.)). Thus, thegene transfer vector can be formulated into ointments, creams, salvesand the like for topical administration. The vector can be formulated asan aerosol (e.g., for administration using a nebulizer) for bronchialdelivery. The vector alternatively can be formulated in a suitablebuffer (e.g., physiological saline) for injection.

The dose administered to an animal, particularly a human, in the contextof the invention will vary with the particular vector, the compositioncontaining the vector and the carrier therefor (as discussed above), themethod of administration, and the particular site and organism beingtreated. The dose should be sufficient to effect a desirable response,e.g., therapeutic or prophylactic response, within a desirable timeframe. Thus, the dose of the vector of the inventive compositiontypically will be about 1×10⁵ or more particle units (e.g., about 1×10⁶or more particle units, about 1×10² or more particle units, 1×10⁸ ormore particle units, 1×10⁹ or more particle units, 1×10¹° or moreparticle units, 1×10¹¹ or more particle units, or about 1×10¹² or moreparticle units). The dose of the vector typically will not be 1×10¹³ orless particle units (e.g., 4×10¹² or less particle units, 1×10¹² or lessparticle units, 1×10¹¹ or less particle units, or even 1×10¹° or lessparticle units).

The invention further provides viral stock comprising a plurality of thegene transfer vectors. The stock can have any desired titer of vector,typically measured in plaque forming units (pfu). Typically the stockwill have between about 10⁵ pfu/ml to about 10⁸ pfu/ml. In someembodiments, the viral stock can be homogenous. In some embodiments, theDNA sequences encoding precursors of peptides differ between the vectorswithin the viral stock. In a preferred embodiment, respective DNAsequences encoding precursors of peptides among the vectors within theviral stock define a random or semi-random peptide library. In morepreferred embodiments, the peptide precursors encoded in the viral stockare precursors of carboxy amidated peptides.

Where vector system includes a population of vectors defining a randomor semirandom library, the invention provides a method for detecting apeptide having a desired effect. In accordance with the method, thepopulation of vectors is introduced into a host cell system underconditions sufficient for the peptides encoded by the expressioncassettes to be expressed. Thereafter, the host cell system can beassayed for the desired effect. If desired, assaying the host cellsystem can be accomplished in comparison with a control agent. Thecontrol agent can be an agent known to precipitate the desired effect(positive control) or an agent known not to exhibit the desired effect(negative control). Following the assay, the sequence of the DNAencoding the peptides from the vectors that precipitate the desiredeffect can be deduced by standard methods.

The host cell system can be in vivo or in vitro. For in vitroapplication, the assay desirably is conducted in multi-well plates(e.g., 96 well plates), which can facilitate high-throughput screeningfor the desired effect. For such applications, preferably the expressionvector system comprising the library is introduced into the wells at acalculated titer of less than 1 vector per well (typically about 0.5vectors per well) to minimize the statistical likelihood that more thanone vector will transfect or infect the cells. As noted above, in someembodiments, the vector system is a viral system, and in others, it is aplasmid or phage system. Where a plasmid or phage system (e.g., BAC)includes a viral genome, however, the cells within the wells willproduce viral particles. Alternatively, the BAC system containing theviral genomes (which comprise the respective expression cassettes andpromoters) can be used to transform a larger number of cells, and viralparticles rescued. The resultant viral particles then can be used in theassay. For example, if about 10,000 BACs containing HSV backbones thatcarry the random or semirandom library are introduced into host cells ina 6-well dish, after about 24 hours, about 100,000 viral particlestypically can be harvested. These can be employed in the assay.Desirably, about 30,000 viral particles should be used (about threetimes the number of original vectors) to increase the likelihood thatall members of the library are being assayed.

The desired effect to be assayed can be any suitably measurable effect,such as apoptosis, changes in the cell cycle, agonism or antagonism of acell signalizing pathway, differentiation or dedifferentiation, etc. Apreferred example of an effect that can be assayed in accordance withthe inventive method is agonism of an opiod receptor (such as a mu opiodreceptor). A reporter assay that detects agonism of opioid receptorspresent in the host cell system can be used to detect those wells inwhich the opioid receptors have been activated by the carboxy-amidatedpeptide encoded by the expression cassette within the vector. Ifdesired, a known agonist of an opioid receptor such as EM1 or EM2 can beused as a control. The sequence of the DNA encoding the carboxy-amidatedpeptides from the cells that exhibit opioid receptor agonism canthereafter be deduced by standard methods.

In some embodiments, the host cell system for screening the librariescan be an animal model, which is particularly suitable when the desiredeffect to be assayed is behavioral in nature. One such example isanalgesia. The analgesic effect can be any detected effect observed inconjunction with, for example, neuropathic pain or inflammatory pain.The analgesic effect can include a decrease in hyperalgesia or allodyniabrought on by, for example, an external stimulus or a medical condition.In such embodiments, the library can be clonally expanded into aplurality of random stocks of vectors (each of which is substantiallyhomologous), and the respective stocks introduced into an animal modelof pain. The vector DNA from those stocks which decrease the painresponse in the animal can then be sequenced to identify the encodedcarboxy-amidated peptide that acts as an analgesic agent.

Techniques such as Edman sequencing, amplification and selection, andhigh-throughput assays can be used to analyze peptide libraries, hicombination or as an alternative, libraries can be screened usingtechniques such as fluorescent tagging of a protein domain, surfaceplasmon resonance, ELISA based screening, mass spectrometry, or othermethods known in the art.

The following examples further illustrate the invention but, of course,should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.

Example 1

This example demonstrates the construction of the vEM2 vector.

An EM-2-EGFP cassette was cloned in a multistep strategy starting withplasmid pEGFP-N1(Clonetech, Mountain View, Calif.). The BgIII and BamHIsites of pEGFP-N1 were collapsed using their compatible cohesivenessthat also removes the majority of the multi-cloning site. The AseI sitewas converted into a BgIII site by ligation of a BgIII linker and theSspII sites were similarly converted into a BgIII site. Subsequently,the SnaBI to NheI fragment from plasmid pCMVhPPE containing the SV40intron and human PPE signal sequence was cloned into the SnaBI to NheIsites(37). The annealed oligonucleotides End2NheAgeU(CTAGCCAAAAGGTACCCGTTCTTCGGCAAAAGGTACCCGTTCTTCGGGAAGAAA ATG (SEQ IDNO:9)) and End2NheAgeL(CCGGCATTTTCTTCCCGAAGAACGGGTACCTTTTGCCGAAGAACGGGTACCTTTT GG (SEQ IDNO:10)) coding for a double EM-2 moiety were cloned between the uniqueNheI and AgeI sites fusing the PPE, EM-2, and EGFP coding regions inframe. The resulting BgIII fragment containing the entire expressioncassette was cloned into the unique BamHI site of the UL41 targetingplasmid p41(67).

The UL41 targeting EM-2 expression cassette plasmid was recombined intoa replication defective HSV backbone, QOZ, a derivative of QOZHG(40).QOZHG was derived from the previously described mutant vectors TOZ.1 andd106(38, 68). d106 and TOZ.1 are deleted for the functions of both theessential ICP4 and ICP27 gene coding sequences rendering these vectorsmultiply replication defective. The viral IE gene enhancer elements(TAATGARAT (SEQ ID NO:11)) were removed from the IE gene promoters ofICP22 and ICP47 to abrogate their expression in the ICP4 and ICP27deleted background of d106. In addition, d106 contributed an HCMV:EGFPcassette substituted for the UL54 (ICP27) coding sequence while TOZ.1contributed an ICPO:lacZ cassette inserted in the UL14 locus of QOZHG.The essential gene deletion vectors were propagated on Vero 7b cellsengineered to express the complementing genes ICP4 and ICP27 on virusinfection(67). QOZ was created by removal of the HCMV:EGFP cassettewithin the ICP27 locus of the backbone vector QOZHG(40) by homologousrecombination with plasmid pPXE(69). The EM-2-EGFP expression cassettewas then recombined into the UL41 locus of QOZ and LacZ negative-EGFPpositive, recombinants identified on 7b cells. Isolates were tripleplaque purified, expanded, and confirmed by Southern blotting, PCR, andsequencing. Vector stocks of one correct recombinant, vEM2, wereproduced, aliquoted, and stored at −80° C. (70).

Example 2

This example demonstrates the ability of vEM2 to produce, process, andsecrete EM-2 in vitro. Studies to detect and confirm the identity ofEM-2 were carried out using vEM2 or control (QOZHG) vector-transducedprimary rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cultures(40).

Production of EM-2 was assayed by transducing primary rat dorsal rootganglia (DRG) cultures with vEM2 or control virus, QOZHG, at one plaqueforming unit (PFU)/cell or mock transduced for one hour followed bymedia change. Transduced DRGs were incubated 37° C./5% CO2 for 24 hourswhen culture media was replaced with secretion stimulation buffer (85 mMNaCl, 60 mM KCl). Following 15 minutes of stimulation, buffer wascollected, centrifuged and 100 μl subjected to HPLC. HPLC was performedwith a Vydac C18 column with a linear gradient of mobile phases 0.1%trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water and 0.085% TFA in acetonitrile. Toidentify the EM-2 fraction, an EM-2 standard (100 μM, PhoenixPharmaceuticals, Belmont, Calif.) was assayed and a single elution peakwas observed at a retention time of 30.301 minutes. To perform RIA andmass spectroscopy, four corresponding test sample fractions werecombined.

Results from EM-2 RIA analyses demonstrated that following treatment ofvEM2-transduced DRG neurons with stimulation buffer, approximately 50μmol EM-2 was released while similarly-treated control vector ormock-transduced neurons showed no appreciable EM-2 signal (FIG. 2A).Mass spectroscopy using in vitro synthesized amidated EM-2 peptide as apositive control confirmed the identity of EM-2 produced from vEM2transduced DRG neurons (FIG. 2B). Thus, the replication defective HSVvector vEM2 carrying the synthetic EM-2 construct produced and secretedthe desired amidated EM-2 peptide product in transduced neurons.

Example 3

This example demonstrates the in vivo efficacy of gene-based EM-2delivery in a model of neuropathic pain, specifically a spinal nerveligation model. The spinal nerve ligation model was utilized to producemechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, hallmarks of neuropathicpain(41).

Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 225 to 250 g underwent selective L5SNL with the approval of the University Committee on Use and Care ofAnimals(53). Under isoflurane anesthesia, an incision was made in theatlanto-occipital membrane, a polyethylene (PE-10) catheter, filled with0.9% saline, was advanced 8.5 cm caudally to position its tip at thelevel of the lumbar enlargement. The rostral tip of the catheter waspassed subcutaneously, externalized on top of the skull, and sealed witha stainless-steel plug. One week after implantation of the intrathecalcatheter, L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) was performed. One week afterSNL, 30 μl of vector (either vEM2 or QOZHG, 4×108 plaque-forming unitsper milliliter) was injected subcutaneously in the plantar surface ofthe left hind paw, ipsilateral to the ligation. Ten clays afterinoculation of vEM2, CTOP (10 micrograms in 10 μl) was injected throughthe catheter followed immediately by 10 of saline to flush the catheter.Mechanical threshold and thermal hyperalgesia were tested 30 minutesbefore CTOP and 20 minutes after CTOP.

Mechanical allodynia induced by SNL was determined by assessing theresponse of paw withdrawal to von Frey hairs of graded tensile strengthas described previously with a tactile stimulus producing a 50%likelihood of withdrawal determined using the up-down method(53, 71,72). Thermal hyperalgesia was determined using a Hargreaves apparatusrecording the time to withdrawal from a radiant thermal stimuluspositioned directly under the hind paw(73). Parametric statistics, usingthe general linear model for repeated measures were used to identifysignificant effects of treatment condition on the behavioral measure ofneuropathic pain. The results were examined for a main effect oftreatment group. All statistical analyses were performed using thesoftware package, SPSS13.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill.).

After L5 SNL rats displayed a significant decrease in the magnitude ofthe mechanical stimulus necessary to evoke a brisk withdrawal responseto von Frey hair stimulation (mechanical allodynia, FIG. 3A) and asignificant reduction in latency-withdrawal from a heat stimulus(thermal hyperalgesia, FIG. 4A). Rats inoculated with vEM2 showed astatistically significant increase in mechanical threshold compared withcontrol vector (P<0.05). The anti-allodynic effect of vEM2 was sustainedand continuous, peaking at 10 days after inoculation (FIG. 3A). By 6weeks after inoculation the antiallodynic effect of vEM2 transductiondisappeared and the mechanical threshold of vEM2-injected rats wassimilar to that of controls. Spinal nerve ligation induced a decrease inthe thermal latency that lasted 3 weeks before gradually recovering.Rats inoculated with vEM2 showed a statistically significant increase inthermal latency in the ipsilateral paw (P<0.01), an effect that wassustained and continuous (FIG. 4A). In normal animals, intrathecaladministration of CTOP alone did not affect the mechanical threshold andthermal latency (data not shown). Ten days after vEM2 in rats with SNL,antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects produced by vEM2 werereversed by intrathecal CTOP (FIGS. 3B and 4B).

Example 4

This example demonstrates the in vivo efficacy of gene-based EM-2delivery in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatorypain.

Inflammatory injury was induced by injection of 150 μL CFA in theleft-hind paw of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intrathecal (10 μg) orintraperitoneal (10 mg/kg) naloxone-methiodide (Nal-M), a substitutedanalogue of naloxone that does not cross the blood-brain bather wasadministered three days after CFA injury.

Mechanical allodynia was tested using von Frey hair stimulation asdescribed in Example 2. Subcutaneous inoculation with vEM2 one weekprior to CFA injury significantly reduced mechanical allodynia overinoculation with a control (FIG. 5A). The antiallodynic effect of vEM2was reversed by intrathecal (FIG. 5B) or intraperitoneal (FIG. 5C)administration of Nal-M.

Thermal hyperalgesia was tested using a Hargreaves apparatus as inExample 2. Subcutaneous inoculation with vEM2 one week prior to CFAinjury significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia over inoculation witha control (FIG. 6A). Intraperitoneal administration of Nal-M reversedthe anti-hyperalgesic effect of vEM2 (FIG. 6B), but intrathecaladministration of Nal-M did not significantly counteract the effect ofvEM2 (FIG. 6C).

Weight-bearing ability in the CFA model was measured using anincapacitance analgesia meter. Subcutaneous inoculation with vEM2 oneweek prior to CFA injury significantly reduced the difference in weightbearing over inoculation with a control (FIG. 7A). The effect of vEM2was reversed by intrathecal (FIG. 7B) or intraperitoneal (FIG. 7C)administration of Nal-M.

Paw inflammation was measured using a plethysmometer (paw volume meter).Subcutaneous inoculation with vEM2 one week prior to CFA injurysignificantly reduced the volume of the injured paw over inoculationwith a control (FIG. 8A).

Expression of c-fos in the dorsal horn was evaluated after 10 minutes ofgentle touch stimulation to the injured paw administered two hoursbefore sacrifice. Levels of c-fos cells in laminae I-II of the dorsalhorn were significantly reduced in animals inoculated with vEM2 (FIG.8B).

Example 5

This example demonstrates the in vivo efficacy of gene-based EM-2delivery in a formalin model of inflammatory pain.

Inflammatory pain was evaluated using an injection of formalin (50 μL ofa 5% solution) into the hind paw of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Injectionof formalin induces a biphasic behavioral response, in which animalslick, bite, and flinch the injured paw. The first phase (0-10 minutesafter formalin injection) is representative of a short-lasting burst ofsmall afferent activity. The second phase (10-60 minutes after formalininjection) is believed to reflect a state of facilitated processingdriven by the moderate ongoing peripheral input. Two hours after theinjection of formalin, rats were anesthetized deeply with an overdose of4% chloral hydrate and perfused through the ascending aorta with 400 mLof 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS.

Administration of vEM2 to the hind paw significantly reducednocisponsive behavior over administration of a control in the formalintest (FIG. 9A). The sum of the antinociceptive effect of vEM2 wassignificant in both phases of the formalin test (FIGS. 9B-C).

Inoculation of vEM2 one week prior to administration of formalinsignificantly suppressed expression of c-fos in the spinal dorsal hornlaminae (FIG. 10).

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

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1-37. (canceled)
 38. A genetic expression cassette comprising: (a) afirst DNA sequence encoding a secretory pathway preproprotein signalsequence; (b) a second DNA sequence encoding a precursor of a peptideflanked by cleavage sites, wherein the second DNA sequence does notencode for the corresponding endogenous peptide of the first DNAsequence; and (c) optionally a third DNA sequence encoding a biomarkerprotein; wherein the first, second, and optional third DNA sequence arein frame relative to each other.
 39. The expression cassette of claim38, wherein the secretory pathway preproprotein signal sequence is aregulated secretory pathway preproprotein signal sequence.
 40. Theexpression cassette of claim 38, wherein the first DNA sequence is a DNAsequence encoding amino acids 1-58 of tachykinin 1 isoform betaprecursor, amino acids 1-26 of corticotrophin-lipotropin precursor, oramino acids 1-55 of FMRFamide-related peptide precursor.
 41. Theexpression cassette of claim 38, wherein the peptide is acarboxy-amidated peptide.
 42. The expression cassette of claim 38,comprising two or more DNA sequences encoding precursors of peptides,wherein each DNA sequence encoding a precursor of a peptide is flankedby cleavage sites.
 43. The expression cassette of claim 38, wherein thepeptide is a cyclic peptide.
 44. The expression cassette of claim 38,wherein the cleavage sites are selected from the group consisting ofdibasic cleavage sites, furin cleavage sites, or carboxypeptidasecleavage sites.
 45. The expression cassette of claim 38, wherein thecleavage sites are dibasic cleavage sites.
 46. The expression cassetteof claim 38, wherein the precursor of a peptide comprises between twoand twenty amino acids.
 47. The expression cassette of claim 41, whereina precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide comprises a carboxy-terminalglycine residue.
 48. The expression cassette of claim 38, wherein thepeptide is an agonist of an opioid receptor.
 49. The expression cassetteof claim 38, wherein the second DNA sequence encodes a precursor ofendomorphin-1 or endomorphin-2.
 50. A library comprising a plurality ofexpression cassettes of claim
 38. 51. A gene transfer vector comprisingthe expression cassette of claim 38 or 41 under the control of apromoter.
 52. A library comprising a plurality of gene transfer vectorsof claim
 51. 53. The gene transfer vector of claim 51, wherein thepeptide is an agonist of an opioid receptor.
 54. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising the gene transfer vector of claim 51 and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 55. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the expression cassette of claim 38 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 56. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 55,wherein the first DNA sequence is a DNA sequence encoding amino acids1-99 of human preproenkephalin.
 57. A method of treating pain in apatient suffering from pain, the method comprising administering theexpression cassette of claim 48 to a patient in an amount and at alocation sufficient to diminish the sensation of pain with the patient.58. The method of claim 57, wherein the patient is human.
 59. The methodof claim 57, comprising administering the expression cassette to thedorsal root ganglion or to the spinal cord of the patient.
 60. Themethod of claim 57, comprising administering the expression cassetteparenterally.
 61. The method of claim 57, wherein the pain isneuropathic pain or inflammatory pain.
 62. The method of claim 57,wherein the pain is associated with cancer or spinal cord injury. 63.The method of claim 57, wherein the agonist of an opioid receptor isendomorphin-1 or endomorphin-2.